Steering box strangeness

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    Author Topic: Steering box strangeness  (Read 3548 times)

    Offline 72cudamaan

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #15 on: December 01, 2010 - 08:22:29 AM »
    I am going to try changing the fluid, only I don't know what fluid I can get which would be most correct.  Not sure if modern Mopar steering fluid is the same.  Anyone know ?

    Regular power steering fluid is best for the seals.
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    If I cant fix it, it's broke
     
    Andy  (phukker whither)


    Offline Supercuda

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #16 on: December 01, 2010 - 08:54:44 AM »
    Use power steering fluid that is approved for current MOPAR power steering, or ATF that is compatible with the DEX-III standard. I still think the problem sounds more mechanical than hydraulic. What are your current alignment angles? Excessive negative caster can also cause the steering to act as yours is. You may have several small problems stacking up, as well. This requires patience, careful examination of all possible causes,and elimination of possibilities. Although hydraulics may be part of it, a mechanical cause is also involved.
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    Offline UKcuda

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #17 on: December 01, 2010 - 04:37:10 PM »
    Quote from: Supercuda on December 01, 2010 - 08:54:44 AM
    Use power steering fluid that is approved for current MOPAR power steering, or ATF that is compatible with the DEX-III standard. I still think the problem sounds more mechanical than hydraulic. What are your current alignment angles? Excessive negative caster can also cause the steering to act as yours is. You may have several small problems stacking up, as well. This requires patience, careful examination of all possible causes,and elimination of possibilities. Although hydraulics may be part of it, a mechanical cause is also involved.

    I know what you mean but I am sure this is not an alignment issue because it happens even when the car is up on ramps.  I have had six E-bodies and never seen a steering box act like this before.  It's a real oddball.  I'm thinking there's a valve locking up somewhere. 

    My 1972 National Service Data manual says "DO NOT USE TRANSMISSION FLUID" so I ain't going to go anywhere near any of that stuff.  I guess I'll try flushing through with some modern power steering fluid and see what happens.

    Thanks to everyone who has made suggestions

    Steve
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    '72 'cuda

    Offline Aussie Challenger

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #18 on: December 02, 2010 - 03:42:12 AM »
    Well I agree with the others Dextron 3 is all I use and have been using in those systems for 40 years, don't know why that data book would say not to, some later systems that use different seals need different fluid but a '70 Challenger is not that late a model.   :bigsmile:
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    Dave

    Offline Supercuda

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #19 on: December 02, 2010 - 09:12:05 AM »
    The reason that the service manual states not to use ATF is due to its lower boiling point, and lower resistance to foaming. Later formulations are more resistant to foaming, and the DEX-III standard was the improvement over the DEX-II fluid that existed when the manual was first produced. ATF will work, but has still a lower resistance to foaming than actual power steering fluid does. Why I mention caster is because it WILL impact yor ability to turn the wheels, under all conditions, whether you are moving or not, or running or not.
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    Offline UKcuda

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #20 on: December 02, 2010 - 10:15:31 AM »
    Quote from: Supercuda on December 02, 2010 - 09:12:05 AM
    Why I mention caster is because it WILL impact yor ability to turn the wheels, under all conditions, whether you are moving or not, or running or not.

    Thanks for the info about Dexron II vs III.  As for the caster, I don't know what effect it can have with the wheels off the ground, but I do know that I can turn the wheels easily with the box disconnected from the linkage.  I can also not move the box when it is disconnected.  I can also turn the wheels easily with everything connected IF I have first used the steering wheel to turn to either lock.  This all suggests to me that caster is not the significant issue.
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    '72 'cuda

    Offline Aussie Challenger

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #21 on: December 02, 2010 - 10:51:07 PM »
    Sounds like you may have a recirculating ball race collapsed, it probably is time for an internal inspection.
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    Dave

    Offline shadango

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #22 on: December 02, 2010 - 11:05:54 PM »
    Quote from: Aussie Challenger on December 02, 2010 - 10:51:07 PM
    Sounds like you may have a recirculating ball race collapsed, it probably is time for an internal inspection.
    I had that problem once....Dr said just rest and dont excercise too much and before i knew it I would be ok.....

    ......sorry.....couldnt resist.  LOL :roflsmiley:
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    Offline Aussie Challenger

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #23 on: December 02, 2010 - 11:14:55 PM »
    Quote from: shadango on December 02, 2010 - 11:05:54 PM
    I had that problem once....Dr said just rest and dont excercise too much and before i knew it I would be ok.....

    ......sorry.....couldnt resist.  LOL :roflsmiley:

    OH  MY   :scared:   :roflsmiley:
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    Dave

    Offline UKcuda

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    Re: Steering box strangeness
    « Reply #24 on: December 03, 2010 - 04:31:12 AM »
    Yay,  It's getting cold enough here if I stay outdoors too long I think that might happen !! 

    I just managed to get the Jeep out through the snow yesterday but I don't think the 'cuda will be going anywhere for a day or two.

    So, anyway the favourite looks to be probably some kind of internal issue in the steering box, which means I'll have to take the little %&^$£* off.
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    '72 'cuda
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